How Does Solar Panel Recycling Take Place?

Many manufacturers ensure their solar panels last up to 25 or 30 years. Though solar ownership is a long-term investment, your solar system will unlikely go on generating for years afterward. It can produce free electricity in the coming decades. But the truth will be the same solar panels won’t last forever. Users need to learn about the importance of solar panel recycling.

Solar Panels Recycling

Recycling solar panels is easy. Many companies have opted for this process. Solar panels include three materials: silicon, glass, and metal. These three components are recyclable. Unlike a piece of scrap metal or a glass bottle, it is crucial to disassemble solar panels first.


The process goes like this-

After disassembling the components, 100% of the metal and 95% of the glass can be used again in new solar panels. When it comes to silicon wafers, they go through thermal processing to eliminate silicon from the plastic covering. The evaporated plastic is recycled as a heat source for this exact method.
Further, the remaining silicon is separated to reuse 80% of the panel. The remaining 20% is etched away, and broken pieces are meted. Then 85% is recycled of the remaining. However, some companies use different methods.

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

The biggest factor is degradation in the lifespan of solar panels. Degradation is the gradual decline in the amount of electricity your solar panels can generate. Your solar panels gradually create less electricity as they age.
Manufacturers of quality solar panels have warranties that shield your panels from degrading too fast.
So, the solution to this question- how long solar panels last is totally up to you. But it won’t exceed 30 years. You should decide at what point it is worth looking into new technology to replace them.

Future of Solar Panel Recycling

Solar panels are disposed of and decommissioned as solar keeps developing, and so must the recycling industry. If you consider local electronic recycling, you can enhance the proper usage of solars and save the environment.